Chief of Staff for GOP Senate Candidate Engaged with White Nationalists in Group Chat

Kip Talley, the chief of staff for Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican Senate candidate in Georgia, reportedly used his congressional position to advocate for the release of Charles Johnson, a Holocaust denier, while Johnson was imprisoned from November 2025 to February 2026. Talley communicated in a group chat with prominent white nationalists, including Nick Fuentes and Richard Spencer, discussing his efforts to assist Johnson. In messages reviewed by Slate, Talley stated he was attempting to use legislative resources to check on Johnson's detention and was in contact with federal law enforcement agencies regarding Johnson's case. Talley later clarified that he acted in a personal capacity and did not coordinate with Collins or use official resources. Collins' office declined to comment on the matter. Johnson, who has a history of controversial statements and actions, was imprisoned for contempt of court related to a civil racketeering case. Talley left the group chat on May 2, 2026, as Collins prepares for a Senate runoff election against Democrat Jon Ossoff.